NCAA regulations forbid Ole Miss' coaches from spending any time with any of the south Florida traveling team making their way through Oxford today.

However, Ole Miss' campus and facilities still did some work for the Rebels, moving them to the top of the list for one of the nation's top defensive backs.

Miami (Southridge), Fla., four-star safety Gerrod Holliman, ranked by Rivals.com as the nation's No. 5 safety and No. 106 overall prospect, was in Oxford Thursday, checking out the Ole Miss campus as he and his 7-on-7 team took the scenic route around the Southeast to get to Tuscaloosa, Ala., where the team is scheduled to compete in a Badger Sports competition Saturday.

"I love it," Holliman said. "I love the campus. It's my second time to see it, so I already had a feel for most of the stuff. I really love the feel they have here.

"On the first trip (less than two weeks ago), I talked to (Ole Miss recruiting coordinator/cornerbacks) Coach (Chris) Vaughn and (head) Coach (Houston) Nutt, and Coach Vaughn was talking about early playing time because they need (defensive backs)."

Holliman, a 6-foot, 180-pounder, liked what he saw and heard during his initial visit. Thursday's trip only solidified those feelings.

"Ole Miss is on top right now," said Holliman, adding that the Rebels lead Louisville, Nebraska, Wake Forest and West Virginia. "I love their style of play. I really love their facilities. When I was on my visit, they showed me around their academics. I feel like with all of the support they have, there's no way I could fall behind in my grades."

Holliman said he has no timetable set for his decision, though he said he's considering announcing his choice at the U.S. Army All-American game in San Antonio in January. In the meantime, Holliman is focused on improving his game in time for his senior season.

"I feel like I do well in all coverages," Holliman said. "Mostly, I need to work on my technique and my backpedal. At times, I tend to get lazy."